Thank you! I think I started to understand better.

Dennis that is a great question- I think saying “earned” means more of an action. Where as “would earn” is more like a future tense / hopeful tone. But in both, you are saying “I wish” which means neither is certain. Maybe “I wish they WOULD earn” makes it sound like they don’t work hard, and “earned” makes it sound like they work hard but don’t make a lot of money. To be honest both ways are correct sounding though

There isn't a huge difference in meaning. Using would makes it a little more wistful or hopeful. I'm trying to think of a situation where you could use one but not the other but nothing is coming to mind.